Washington County Fair Farm School

What is Farm School?

4-H Farm School is a competitive speaking program at Washington County Fair (WCF) which gives youth the opportunity to educate and entertain the public by showcasing their 4-H animal and/or agricultural projects. Farm School participants will talk with the general public, especially small children and families, about their chosen topic. Live animals are encouraged! Youth will talk about their project’s unique needs and characteristics, such as grooming, training, showing, anatomy, or care of an animal and methods or techniques related to an agricultural product (e.g. soap, milk, etc.).

Presentations should be lively and fun. This presentation is more like having a conversation than giving a speech. Some facts and information should be prepared, but the audience’s interest will guide the presentation. The more interactive, the better!  No need to get stressed-out – It’s just you and your friends talking to people who want to learn more about what you do.  You will be judged not only on the educational content of your presentation but also how interactive you are with the audience. 

Rules & Regulations

  1. All participants must be enrolled in RI 4-H.
  2. All state Animal Health Regulations apply for this program. Animals must be inspected by the appropriate WCF official and have current and correct health certification to be unloaded and allowed on the fairgrounds. If your animal is coming to the fair for this program only, plan to provide your own containment for your animal while it is at the fair. Trailers must leave the livestock parking area as soon as 4-H Farm School is finished.
  3. Exhibitors must be on the fairgrounds, checked-in with 4-H Staff, and ready to present at least one hour before the assigned presentation time.
  4. The talk should flow smoothly and be well organized. Presentations should be at least:
    • Seniors- 10 minutes
    • Juniors- 5 minutes
    • Cloverbuds- 3 minutes
  5. Only exhibitors who have registered before the deadline, through the official WCF registration system are eligible for a premium and other prizes.
  6. Exhibitors may speak on multiple days, but only one award will be given and announced at the conclusion of the fair.
  7. Exhibitors must be dressed appropriately. Appropriate footwear when handling animals is required.
  8. Exhibitors may have other youth help manage animals, set up, etc. in the ring. Premiums and prizes, however, will only go to the individual that registered. 
  9. Speakers will be required to use a microphone. A microphone and PA system will be provided. No PowerPoint or digital presentations will be allowed.

How to Register

Entries are due by August 1 through the Washington County Fair online registration system.  After registration you will receive confirmation of your time slot and presentation topic to be fully registered. Please note that you may be asked to change presentation topics if the topic is inappropriate or has already been requested.

Helpful Hints

  • If you present with live animals, you may want to have a helper.
  • PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE your presentation ahead of time so that you are comfortable and prepared when speaking. Use posters and props, when needed, to keep you on track and following your outline.
  • Be enthusiastic and confident when speaking – you will be competing with the noise and distraction of the fair!
  • Engage the audience with questions, props, demonstrations, etc. The more involved the audience feels, the better your presentation will be!
  • If you need advice on topics or would like to practice your presentation ahead of time, you can always contact the State 4-H Office for help!